John's usual excuses & apologies--
A quick follow-up on the two guys who are looking for a new residential provider. CLI has so far been unable to build an alternative solution that would allow them to stay in their home. We're still working on it, but time is getting short. I spent more than $200 on an indeed listing last week that generated 3 applicants. One currently resides in North Carolina, which seems like a heck of a commute unless the traffic is absolutely perfect. Another was a no-show at the scheduled interview. We have an interview scheduled with the third this week. We've also gotten a 4th candidate who saw our advertisement on the Norwalk online newspaper. We haven't given up yet and are actively recruiting for these full-time 2nd & 3rd shift spots, as well as some other fun part-time opportunities. If you know someone who is interested, but worried that we care that they've never done something like this before, let them know that CLI would really like to meet them and talk about it. We care more about integrity, work ethic, and old-fashioned social skills than experience.
Word on the street is that the Ohio Department of DD will be making the new STEP funding permanent after 2021. We believe that this is a good development for CLI clients. I know that it takes more planning than just showing up at the workshop everyday, but it is worth the hassles if it means that we're helping our clients build a better future. The workshop was (almost) always a fun place to be, but I think that it held people back too.
We know that we have some problems to sort out with this new model-- first, we need to help people find ways to earn money. I joke that even my own family might only be hanging out with me because I pay for stuff-- and they have to love me. The guy you're mooching from and the community dinner? Not so much. Unless we all intend to pull a Thoreau & live in a shed in someone's back yard-- life takes money. We also know that some people need a significant and dependable schedule of supports so that their people can plan accordingly. And finally, we also know that it's been an issue for people that they're overspending their budget because the STEP rate is more than the old workshop rate. Baby steps.
I'm excited that summer is finally here. Let's all make the most of it. The real win with STEPS vs. the old school workshop model is that it is a real opportunity to order off the menu. What's on your bucket list for this summer? If it's legal, and reasonably safe, we can probably help you mark a few things off that list.
Have a good week. Break out that sunscreen, apply it liberally, then wash your hands!
John
